Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes

The frosting on these is A-Mazing!
This is my combination of a cake recipe and a frosting recipe I found on www.tastykitchen.com

Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes

• FOR THE CUPCAKES:
• 1-¾ cup All-purpose Flour
• ¾ Tablespoons Baking Powder
• ½ teaspoons Salt
• ¼ teaspoons Baking Soda
• 1-½ stick Unsalted Butter, Room Temperature
• 1-⅓ cup White Granulated Sugar
• 3 whole Large Eggs
• ⅔ cups Peanut Butter, Creamy Or Chunky, Reduced Fat Or Regular
• ½ cups Sour Cream
• ½ teaspoons Vanilla Extract
• 1 jar seedless raspberry jam

• FOR THE BUTTERCREAM:
• ½ cups Butter, Softened
• ⅔ cups Peanut Butter
• 3 cups Powdered Sugar (you May Need 1 More Cup)
• 1 Tablespoon Of Milk (have 1-2 More On Hand)
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1 pinch Salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Line standard muffin tins with paper liners.
Whisk dry cupcake ingredients in a large bowl. Set aside.
Cream butter and sugar with a mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating after each addition.

Reduce speed to low. Mix the remaining wet ingredients in a bowl. Add dry ingredients to butter mixture in 3 additions, alternating with wet ingredients and ending with dry. Scrape sides of bowl and mix until fully combined. Divide batter among muffin cups, filling each 2/3 full.
Bake cupcakes until testers inserted into centers come out clean, about 20 minutes. Let cool in tins on wire racks. (Cupcakes will keep, covered, for up to 3 days, unless otherwise noted.)

When cupcakes are cooled, frost with raspberry jam, let set while you make the frosting.


For the frosting:
Cream butter and peanut butter together in the bowl of an electric mixer. Add powdered sugar with mixer on low speed and gradually add milk and vanilla extract. Add a pinch of salt and mix until frosting is smooth. If too thick, add more milk; if too thin, add more sugar.
Put the frosting in a pastry bag fitted with a tip. Poke a hole in the cupcake with the pastry tip and fill the cupcake. Then frost the cooled cupcakes as desired.

I topped mine with little miniature pb&j sandwiches, they look super cute! I found the mini toast at Costplus World Market.

Twitter

I must say, I do not get Twitter.

Once upon a time, I signed up for Twitter and I was on it for about three days, before I deleted my account.  I just did not understand how it all worked.  I was not sad to leave Twitter.  My life did not end, I did not feel an urge to sign on again and see what was happening in so and so's life.  It just was not intriguing to me.

However, I was once again struck with the Twitter bug yesterday and I signed up.  I must say this again, I do not get Twitter.  I don't understand how it works, why people love it so much, what the point of it all is and why it exists.

I suppose I will give it a few more days before I make my final judgement.

I mostly want to know how you get people to follow you and how you find your friends and others to follow.  I realize it should not be this hard, but it is proving to be so for me.

Are you on Twitter?

Sincerely, Lost in Tweets

Gavin DeGraw

Gavin DeGraw...

He is awesome.  I have followed his music since 2004, maybe a little earlier.  I think at times I have followed him so much, that I may have annoyed my friends.  For example, my junior year of college, I listened to his album 'Chariot' in the morning when I got up and any other time throughout the day that I was able to get a song or two in.

It didn't help that, that was the year I first saw him in concert.  He had come to town and played at Claremont Colleges.  It was pouring rain... I mean pouring!  It was an excellent show, he performed well and I still remember how great it felt to be there.  I was supposed to meet him after the show, but my mom had to leave and the friends I stayed behind with didn't want to wait any longer.  So, we left, and we were not 15 feet away when we heard cheering... he showed up and I missed him.  Boo.

It turns out that my now best friend Monica was at that very same show, but we had not met yet and in the years following that show Gavin has proved to be one of our strong bonding points.

We have seen him at the House of Blue on Sunset Strip and we have seen him at a small location in San Diego called SOMA.  Each time we have seen him, we have been closer and closer to him, but had yet to meet him...

WELL!  THAT HAS ALL CHANGED NOW!

I won tickets through 104.3 myfm and on Monday June 20, 2011...  I met Gavin DeGraw and I brought Monica along for the ride!  She got to meet him as well and we both walked away with a signed photo.

We saw him at the Myfm performance studio in Burbank.  We were in the very front... his keyboard was maybe two feet away from us.  I was front and center.  We got to be there for the radio interview and he also played three songs.

1.  In Love With A Girl
2.  Not Over You (His new single, which is on the album 'Sweeter' due August 9th)
3. I Don't Want to Be

Everything was perfect!  At the end of the performances, we all got to get our picture taken with Gavin and he really took the time to talk with each fan.  I found that to be really neat.  But, as my mom said, "If he doesn't take the time to have a photo, then he doesn't care about his fans, and without fans, he doesn't have a job."

He held my hand that I shook his with, the entire time we talked and he had is other arm around me.  I totally felt like I was in high school.  Ha ha.  I told him that I had been following him since 2004 and that I went to his bar last year.  He said, "Oh yeah?  Did you get hammered?"  I said, "No, I was with my mom, I couldn't do that."  He had a good chuckle.  I wanted to tell him so many things, but they all flew out of my head once I got up there.  Typical I am sure.  I thanked him for his music and for taking the time to chat and he thanked me, I don't really know why.

So, I pretty much think he should be my husband, but then I am a realisitc person and I know that would never happen, but it sure would be nice.

Here are the photos to prove that all of this greatness truly happened!

Gavin and Me

He's pretty tall, because I have heels on here.

Gavin and Monica

The two of us celebrating our Gavin DeGraw experience outside the studio building, with our signed photo!

Gavin was so nice and personable and that made me like him even more.  I wish him all the best and I hope he continues to make great music and continues to make me swoon!  A girl needs agood swoon every now an again.

Check his Music Out:

Chariot- His first album

(photo from uulyrics.com)

He also did this album accoustic and it is called 'Chariot Stripped'... he has all of the songs from 'Chariot', plus a few extras.

Gavin DeGraw- Self Titled second Album

(photo from clicp zones)

Free- His third album (fourth if you count Stripped)

(photo from behindthehype)

'Not Over You', the first single from his soon to be released album, 'Sweeter'

I am curious to hear all of the songs and to see what the album cover looks like.

Well, all I can say is this, "Please listen to Gavin DeGraw because he is fantastic!"  The end.

An Ode to Stacie

I had not told anyone about this blog... because I didn't want anyone to make fun of me.

But I told Stacie yesterday, when we were making hangars for our finisher medals.

So, because of that I have written and ode to Stacie:

Stacie, Stacie, Stacie
You are my friend
Stacie, Stacie
I am your friend
Stacie, Stacie
Friends together are we
Stacie, Stacie
Friends forever we will be

Enjoy your day at work Stacie!!

Operation Baking GALS (Give A Little Support)

Operation Baking GALS... what can I say?
I have been baking with this organization for nearly a year and a half now, and I am still loving it!  I already love to bake, but then to bake for someone who really deserves it, makes baking much better!

I had a surprise not too long ago, I was reading about one of the teams and they were supporting a guy I went to college with.  He was a nursing student in school and then he joined the Army, so I was very happy to bake for him.

I have been leading a team for the past few months.  I am supporting my friends husband.  He left on this deployment in February and he will hopefully be back by Christmas time.

Here is info. from the site, on what Baking GALS is all about:

Baking GALS (GALS stands for Give A Little Support) is a group of volunteer bakers from around the country who bake and ship homemade goodies to our heroic military men and women who are currently deployed in a war zone. Our goal is to show our support and send a little bit of home to remind them that we appreciate all that they do for our freedom.


And boy do we bake!  Once a month we bake and ship out the goods.  It is not out goal to hear back from those we ship cookies to, but it sure is nice when we do hear back from them.  In my year and a half (almost)  I have only heard back from about 5 people.  That is pretty amazing to me!  I also find it amazing that they used up some of their free time to send me a thanks.  But, I am speaking of an amazing group of people and I would expect nothing less.

I just love sending out goodness from my kitchen to someone who might really need a pick me up in a dangerous situation.  To send a little bit of home to a man or woman in service is really an exciting thing!  They deserve much more than cookies and a note, but this is what I can do and I will continue to do for as long as I can!!

If you are interested in joining and seeing what all of the fun is about just click on any of the Baking GALS links below:

Baking GALS  Baking GALS  Baking GALS  Baking GALS  Baking GALS

Believe me when I say this, "You won't be sorry!"

So check out the site today!!

An Odd Phenomenon.

When I was in New York City, back in April, I noticed something very strange.  I don't know why this is happening and I think it's crazy.  Bear with me now, but why on Earth are women walking around in workout clothes... all over the city... shopping... riding the subway, etc.

Because you and me both know that they are not actually working out, not while holding their dog in their arms.  I am pretty sure they know it too.  Now, as someone that goes to the gym frequently, I know there are the women that dress so you notice them and who do like to wear their workout gear to be seen beyond the gym.  But, the rest of us women don't do that and we get in and out of the gym and then go home and shower and put real clothes on.  We don't go to the grocery in sweaty nasty smelling workout outfits.  It's just not going to happen.

Look it's not just the women in NYC.. it seems the stars in L.A. find it glamourous as well....

I did not take these photos.  They're from the girls website or something like that.

I don't get it.

I.  Do.  Not.  Get.  It.

Not one little bit.

No not even an ounce of understanding.

Can someone please tell me why this is happening?

Chewy Cake

For some reason, whenever I catch a Paula Deen show on the Food Network, I come in at desert time.  That's how I came across the Pink Lemonade cake and that is how I discovered this super easy and tasty treat...


CHEWY CAKE

• 1 (1-pound) package light brown sugar
• 2 cups self-rising flour
• 1 stick butter softened, plus more for greasing
• 3 eggs, beaten
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
• 2 cups pecans, chopped
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 13 by 9-inch baking pan.

In a large bowl, mix together the brown sugar, flour, and butter. Add eggs and vanilla and stir well. Fold in coconut, pecans, and chocolate chips until well combined. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted through the middle comes out clean. Cool the cake completely in the pan before cutting it into squares.

I was amazed at how little prep time was needed to make these bars and I really enjoy the flavor.  I had to use almonds instead of pecans, because that is what I had on hand.  I would post a picture but I've already given out/ eaten this whole batch!

Try them out... NOW!!!

My Third Camp Pendleton Mud Run

In my last post, I briefly mentioned that I started running because of the Camp Pendleton Mud Run.  In case you were curious if the Mud Run really contains mud, the answer is, yes!!

Me and my mom.  She's been to all 3 runs, to cheer me on!

Oh, look how clean and pretty we are...

Enter MUD, lots and lots of MUD!  Ahhh ha ha ha!

As well as, walls to jump, a river to cross, a slippery slope to climb, hills to traverse, ankle deep dirt, and creek crossings.... as well as some more mud!

This is the final mud pit, you must crawl under all of those flags before making your final steps to the finish line.  It is always rewarding to be at this point.

This is our third Mud Run with Camp Pendleton, but our second together.

I wasn't eating the mud... on purpose...

If you want to check this run out next year go to their site  Camp Pendleton Races.  They have a bunch of races, but the only one I have been crazy enough to try is the Mud Run.  If you feel that you must run this race, you literally have to sign up the 1st second after you ring in the new year.  This race sells out that fast!  Good luck and happy running!

P.S.- You can look at all of the cute Marines... I mean awesome machinery.  But while you are looking, you might as well thank them, the Marines, not the hummers for all of their hard work!

Running and Running...

At the beginning of 2008 I started running.  I had discovered the Camp Pendleton Mud Run and my friend and I signed up for it, thus starting my running career.  I didn't want to look like a fool in front of all those gorgeous Marines.  That would be just plain wrong.

The Mud Run is a 10k (6 miles and some change).  The longest run I did in preparation for my October 2008 Mud Run was three miles.  I was dead after the run.  I had horrible cramping in both calves, so in the final mud pit, I pulled myself through with just my hands.  But I finished!!  (Maybe due to some tough love from a young Marine who shouted at me, "This isn't the Mud Walk, it's the Mud Run!!")

It is hard to believe that this run was so hard for me, and that I was so exhausted that I could not even eat after the run.

I started running with one of my classmates while we were getting our teaching credential and that lead to other small runs, a few 10ks here and there.  What I didn't know is that ultimately we were building up for something even bigger.

Back in October, I ran my first half marathon (Long Beach, Oct. 17, 2010) with my best friend Stacie and I said I would never do that again, but then in February, I ran another half in Palm Springs (Stacie too).

Well, last weekend, I ran my first full Marathon!  That's right, I ran the San Diego Rock n' Roll marathon on June 5, 2011.  Stacie ran as well, but we parted after the bathroom line, ha ha.

My mom cannot understand why I enjoy running so much and to be honest I don't know why either.  I played 11 years of soccer growing up and I was not a fan of running then.  Something has changed in me I guess.  Well, whatever it is I am glad.  I feel healthier and more fit.  I also feel quite accomplished.
Supposedly only 1% of  the people in the world has run a marathon and now I am a part of that 1%.  Not too bad if you ask me.

My Race Bling!

My first marathon bling!  It really is quite heavy, but it sure looks nice!

Heading to the starting line.  I believe this is Balboa Park.

Getting geared up!

Some Street art along the race route.  I think this is very fun.

We were running on the 163.  If there were cars here, we would be running against traffic... while the 1/2 marathoners were running with traffic.

There were supposed to be 47 bands along the race route...  I think I saw maybe 10, which is sad, since this is the Rock n' Roll marathon and all.  Here, on the 163 we had a drumming group.  They were pretty cool.

Mile 13 and feeling fine!

Some of my favorite signs, lucky for me they were all in the same place!

Only 6.2 more miles to go!  This is where I walked for 5 miles.  I met a girl in the same boat as me and from mile 20 -25 we encouraged each other.  At mile 25, we ran in... she a little faster than me.  But, we both finished!!

Here we are at the finish (Stacie and Me).

Never in my life did I think I would run a marathon... but I have.  I thought it was impossible, but it wasn't!  I encourage you to strive for the impossible, because once you get there, you'll find that it is not impossible after all and all it took was a little hard work.  Now get out there and achieve all of the 'impossible' things you want to!

A Few Things...

I have been a bit bad with my posting as of late, but it is all good, because I am about to update you like I've never updated you before.  Here it goes:

1.  I went for a run with my friend Wendy on Memorial Day.  She lives not too far from the National Cemetery in Riverside.  (It was so great seeing all of the waving flags at each headstone.)  I had no idea that every Memorial Day thousands of bikers (motorcycles) ride by with flags and horns and end their ride at the National Cemetery.  So, it was a great surprise when I saw a bunch of them speed past us on our run.  It was also great to see that there are still some patriotic people out in this nation of ours.  The streets were lined with families and individuals that still find it important to get out there and show their USA Pride!

2.  At the beginning of May, I was asked to make cupcakes for the Senior Prom at my school.  I was given this information:  A Night in Paris, 50 cupcakes, May 27th, 6:00pm.  Well I took this and I ran with it.  I made four types of cupcakes.... Red Velvet with cream cheese frosting, peanut butter and jelly with peanut butter frosting, chocolate with 'the best frosting you've ever had', and strawberry with strawberry frosting (using a pound of strawberries in the batter and a pound in the frosting).  They all turned out great and  I am thankful to my Mom and family friend Diane for helping me make the frosting and frost a few of them.

Peanut Butter and Jelly

Chocolate

Red Velvet

Strawberry

Everyone really liked the cupcakes... so I hear, which is great!  A friendly reminder:  Don't forget to add baking soda to one of your batches of red velvet, because they really, really, really won't rise.

3.  The same day as Prom, I went to see the Goo Goo Dolls with my friend Allison.  We had fun.  Seeing them reminded me of high school.  They are old rocker dudes now, but they still play very well.

4.  I went to dinner a couple of weeks ago with my friend Rebecca.  We went to the Yardhouse.  I had never been there before.  I had the BBQ cheddar burger, which is pretty good because I generally get grossed out by meat and it is hard for me to try new burgers.  Well, it was so good that it made me want to eat meat all of the time!  Ha ha.  I won't be doing that, but still, it was really quite good!  We also  saw:

 I haven't laughed so hard in a very long time.  If you haven't seen this, please do.

5.  I applied for the Art job that is possibly opening up, at the school, that I have worked at for a year and a half.  I hope I get it, because I really want to be teaching Art.  That is what I went to school for after all.

6.  My grandma would have been 81 on May 31st.  I wish she could have made it to that date.

I am going to post the next two happenings on their own.  Except one isn't happening until this weekend, so it might be a week or so before it gets posted.

Enjoy your week!  I know I will be... only 3 teaching days left and then I am off for the summer!  Look out Oceanside... Here I Come!